Foreshortened Future

[Victim/Writer]

Does anyone else feel like there is no way they will live another year, let alone a lifetime? It is not even the specific anxiety I get about things related to my assault, it is just a general expectation of dying. I subconsciously believe I will be hit by a car, a falling tree, a bullet....

 

[Tinyflame]

That feeling is a symptom of ptsd (or can be).

 

[Barberian]

I'm the opposite. I feel like I'm going to live a very long time (I'm 46), but it's quality will be very poor. I hate living, I'd love for my heart to stop beating this very moment, but I can't do anything actively or passively to make it happen. I have to try and live as long as I can. This is becuase of my religious beliefs. To activly or passivly end my life is to forsake the Lord (turn my back on him) which is a no-go to get into heaven.

 

[Gamereign555]

I had it early on. Actually, I checked it out on the internet last year. It stated that people with ptsd will often wonder if they are going to live a shorter life span than a person without the disorder. There is nothing specific to indicate a shorter life span.

That doesn't mean we shouldn't be aware of the risks associated with depression and suicide. Also the high levels of anxiety could make heart related complications more likely. But a quick and sudden death? No probably not, and if there was it was due to suicide or unrelated illness.

 

[maddog]

It's strange. I'm one of those in the category of feeling as though I am miserably immortal. I'm not proud to admit that...

However it manifests, I think that somelevel of preoccupation with your lifespan, dying and death is very common of trauma sufferers.

Maddog

 

[Meadowsweet]

I sometimes have sudden realisations of my mortality and the seperation from this body and the person that people know me as. But I can't imagine a year ahead at all. But last year I coul;dn't imagine being here, but I got here anyway.

 

[sea]

Recently in the last year I've had this feeling of absolute certainty that I'm going to die in ten years. And it's going to be slow, and annoying, and painful. Brilliant.

 

[mamachick]

I have a sense of foreshortened future. It is very real. It feels like I need not make plans for the future, but not even the near future, because it will not matter in the scheme of what is left. I did not expect to be here today-and am unprepared to stay on this earth as a result. I cannot imagine being here in one year, the cause of death I do not even consider.

I also pray I do not wake up. I have gotten angry of others who have been taken and have had a happy life.
It just seems cruel. I have more fear of having to live this out than I do of dying in any manner. I simply cannot imagine any good coming from my presence. Im so tired.

 

[Queen Boudica]

((((((Brat17))))))

I have a feeling of doom. Yes, I think I will be dead earlier than I should be. But, if I do live a long life I know I will end up old, alone and depressed.

 

[sea]

There is nothing specific to indicate a shorter life span.

Um, in regards to PTSD, I don't really agree with this. If PTSD is left untreated it is certainly grounds to shorten your life span.

 

[mamachick]

Lizio I am sorry you have the same feelings, it is difficult to move forward or do much with this looming.

Sea, I agree with you. We know that mood /state of mind effects the immune system, I dont think it is possible for the state of mind that is part of ptsd to not have a very significant effect.

 

[LittleHugger]

I definitely feel that I won't be around for very long. I find thinking or trying to plan ahead difficult and just the word "future" sorta instantly makes me cringe. I just dont think I have one, and every year that goes by, I am surprized that I'm still here.